GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

per·fume/ˈpərˌfyo͞om/: the scent of something sweet-smelling

The word perfume is derived from the Latin phrase "per" meaning "through" and "fumus" meaning "smoke", and even the word itself were almost to take one away. . .







Perhaps that is the reason why the French gave the name parfum to the delightful smells that drift through the air when burning incense. Since early civilization, perfumes and scented oils have played a role in attraction and emotions -- a fragrance can create memories and also be a sign of individuality -- having a signature scent can leave a lasting impression, not to mention, it is one of the most luxurious things ever . . .











Ancient Romans indulged in applying perfume at least three times a day. Emperor Caracalla's Roman baths had rooms dedicated to housing jars of fragrant oils and essences in bottles of varying size. The animals were even perfumed -- during lavish feasts, birds were released from their cages to disseminate perfume from their wings; even draperies, candlesticks, tables, and cushions were all perfumed.







In the 18th century, Louis XV of France's court (known also as "le cour parfumee" / "the perfumed court") also daily perfumed not only their skin, but also their clothing, fans and furniture, for perfume was a substitute for soap and water.







Having studied the history of perfumery, Anne McClain of MCMC Fragrances creates scents with the past, present, and future in mind, by adding her own touch to perfumes that were developed throughout history and will live on in the future through memories created by those scents -- whether a delicate floral that conjures thoughts of a summer day or the scent of a musky bark that reminds of the author of a love letter . . .







Raised in Rhode Island and Japan, Anne moved to Grasse, the “perfume capital” of France, to study, intensively, the history, techniques, and practices of modern perfumery, before starting her own company in 2010. Now based in Brooklyn, NY, MCMC Fragrances carefully crafts perfumes in small batches and hand-bottles them in Anne’s own studio. Since the launch of the company, Anne's fragrances have won the praise of publications such as Wallpaper, Lucky, InStyle, New York Magazine, and the New York Times.











Offering a range of classes, Anne shares her knowledge of the art and craft of perfumery. Another way she creates a positive impact is through her collaborations with community organizations, creating special edition fragrances with Trust Art and the Ananda Harvest, to help benefit their causes.







After delighting in the intoxicating scents of each of her fragrances, we were interested to know more about the history that has inspired her work, and so we asked Anne:

'Tis the season for gift-giving...and we have found a splendid gift for the person who has it all!
We are proud to present Gold 'N Dulcinea, a specialty brand of handmade drawer sachets that come beautifully wrapped in satin-lined gift boxes.
Each sachet has a custom blended fragrance reflective of its unique design - "from striking florals, exotic fruits, to decadent desserts".
Each sachet is thoughtfully designed using rich fabrics and gorgeous embellishments. Gold 'N Dulcinea has revamped the timeless concept of a sachet by crossing modern luxury with vintage charm.
For example, check out the cute "Button Me Up in Bling" sachet that's made from apple green cashmere and embellished with freshwater pearls and cut crystal beads, and embroidered with the Gold 'N Dulcinea logo and a gold & pearl lapel pin. This piece has the soothing fragrance of violet, gardenia petals, bergamot and rich plum...YUM!
There are also the less 'girly' scents such as the "Smoldering Satin" knotted silk sachet with the fragrance of rich black fig, warm english tea and vanilla.
There are currently 10 designs/fragrances available, all of which can be found at the Gold 'N Dulcinea website. You can also purchase select styles exclusively online at www.fairefroufrou.com.

Customers of Faire Frou Frou tend to share one common question...What is that lovely scent in your store? Well, the big secret (okay, it was never a secret) is out: Diptyque Room Spray. Or at least, it's that in combination with our kai candles and Calypso fragrances that we sell. In any event, I typically use the Tuberose scent, whereas my mom comes to the store and uses the Geranium Rosa. I just overdid it with spraying a bit too much fragrance around the shop, and now I have a headache and feel naucious, but I digress.
I order my Diptyque fragrances from Bergdorf Goodman (no sales tax!!), and just recently worked over the phone with a lovely sales associate, Marina, from the Diptyque San Francisco store. She persuaded me to try their signature shampoo which I had no idea about until yesterday. I purchased Eau d'Elide...I can't wait to wash my hair with it tomorrow morning!